Blanche M. Berger

Blanche Marie Berger left her loved ones on earth to join her beloved parents, siblings and friends whom she missed dearly on Monday, May 21, 2018 at the American Lutheran Home, Mondovi. She would have been 86 years old next month, on June 30th. She was born in 1932 in Pepin County, Albany Township, to Lee Ableidinger and Annabelle Schuh. She attended Pleasant Hill School in Lima, and was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mondovi. Blanche was the eldest of 15 children, and was a second mother to her younger siblings. Through her teenage years she left home during the summer months to work for other families, helping with their children and household chores. On June 4th, 1951, 26 days shy of 19 years old, she married Robert Berger Jr., the celebration being held at the Ableidinger family farm. They would be celebrating their 67th anniversary this year. Blanche worked at Huntsingers and Kopps Growing Gardens. For 30 years, and into her 80's, she made bows and decorated wreaths, centerpieces and other Christmas items at Holiday Wreaths in Rock Falls, Wi. Until 3 years ago, she hosted Christmas Eve for her entire family, and rarely did anyone miss. She raised 7 children, helped to raise some of her 15 grandchildren, and lovingly watched over several of her great grandchildren. She was an accomplished seamstress, gardener and cook. When young, she loved making matching dresses for her 4 girls. She had numerous beautiful flower beds , placing several by the road so everyone could enjoy the view on the way through Albany I. Behind the house was a massive vegetable garden. She could whip up a meal for unexpected guests in a flash and it was always delicious. She learned to fish with Bob and could even outfish him on occasion, which was quite a feat. They hosted hundreds of fish fries and you were lucky if you were a guest. When younger, they always had a deck of cards, a game, or dice at the table and used them often. They had lots of guests. Blanche's circle of friends was as extensive as her enormous family. She was all-encompassing, selfless, always looking out for someone other than herself. If you met her, you knew and remembered her, and she never forgot anyone. She accepted and appreciated everyone for exactly who/what they were. She was the ultimate example of a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. She will leave innumerable hearts heavy with sorrow for losing her and filled with joy for having known her. She is survived by her husband, Bob, and her 7 children: Gord (Dolly) Berger, Gail Marum, Glenn (Rosie) Berger, Gary (Lisa) Berger, all of Mondovi, Glenda (Darrell) Komro of Durand, Gwen Bauer of Winona, and Gloria (Dale) Radle of Rock Falls. She has 15 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. She is further survived by 8 siblings: Sr. Marianna Ableidinger, Leon Ableidinger, Patricia Wittig, Dean (Tammy) Ableidinger, Cindy (Don) Kummer, Jeff (Julie Bauer) Ableidinger, Vincent (Phyllis) Ableidinger and Dale (Cindy) Ableidinger. Brothers and sisters in law: Sue Ableidinger, Theresa Ableidinger, Bill and Shirley Berger, Laura (Mrs. Herman) Berger, Darlene (Mrs. Arnold Berger), Laurie (Mrs. Edward) Berger and Rosie (Don) King. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Annabelle Ableidinger, brothers: Elgene, Bernard, Roger, Donald and Mike Ableidinger and a sister, Monica Johnson. In Laws: Robert and Annabelle Berger Sr., Herman, Arnold and Edward Berger, Donald King, Neil Johnson and Diane Ableidinger. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, May 25, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Mondovi at 11:00 am with Father Paul Bosco presiding. A visitaiton will be held at Talbot Family Funeral Homes, Mondovi Chapel on Thursday, May 24, 2018 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm and then again at the church one hour prior to the mass.